Associate Scientist

ACTalent; Hercules (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & Vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Life Insurance

Short/Long-term disability

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an Associate Scientist to support in vitro testing and cell-based assays in a fast-paced, regulated lab environment. The role emphasizes precise execution, aseptic technique, and GLP-compliant documentation while contributing to high-quality scientific studies.

You will perform cytotoxicity assays, maintain cell cultures, and collaborate with study directors and scientists to ensure smooth execution of multiple studies and timely results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biological Sciences, Toxicology, Pharmacology, or related field.
• 13 years of relevant laboratory experience preferred with exposure to in vitro testing.
• Hands-on cell culture experience and routine maintenance of cell lines.
• Experience performing cytotoxicity assays (MTT, elution, hemolysis).
• Strong aseptic technique and GLP documentation in a regulated lab.
• Ability to follow SOPs and study protocols precisely.
• Excellent data interpretation and ability to report results clearly.

Responsibilities

• Perform cytotoxicity assays (MTT, elution, hemolysis) per SOPs.
• Maintain cell cultures with aseptic technique.
• Execute in vitro testing following SOPs and study protocols.
• Prepare solutions, reagents, and samples for testing.
• Document procedures and results in GLP-compliant records.
• Collaborate with scientists and study directors on studies.
• Manage multiple studies and deadlines in a fast-paced lab.

Skills

Cell culture

Cytotoxicity assays

Aseptic technique

GLP documentation

Pipetting

Data interpretation

SOP adherence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field

Job description

Job Title: Associate Scientist

This Associate Scientist role supports in vitro laboratory testing in a fast-paced, regulated environment. The position focuses on cell-based and cytotoxicity testing, emphasizing precise experimental execution, strong aseptic technique, and thorough GLP-compliant documentation. You will contribute directly to high-quality scientific studies by performing assays, maintaining cell cultures, and collaborating closely with other laboratory professionals.

Responsibilities

• - Perform cytotoxicity assays, including MTT, elution, and hemolysis testing, in accordance with established methods and quality standards.
• - Conduct routine cell culture, including seeding, maintenance, and expansion of cells, while consistently using proper aseptic technique.
• - Execute in vitro laboratory testing following established standard operating procedures (SOPs) and study protocols.
• - Prepare solutions, dilutions, reagents, and samples required for in vitro testing, ensuring accuracy and traceability.
• - Perform routine laboratory techniques such as pipetting, pH measurement, and use of analytical balances to support experimental workflows.
• - Maintain accurate, GLP-compliant documentation, including worksheets, study records, laboratory notebooks, and equipment logs.
• - Analyze and interpret experimental data, summarize findings, and communicate results clearly to relevant stakeholders.
• - Maintain laboratory equipment, reagents, consumables, and supplies in good working order and adequate stock.
• - Collaborate closely with scientists, study directors, and other laboratory team members to ensure smooth execution of studies.
• - Manage multiple studies and competing priorities effectively in a fast-paced laboratory environment while meeting deadlines.

Essential Skills

• - Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biological Sciences, Toxicology, Pharmacology, or a related scientific discipline.
• - 13 years of relevant laboratory experience preferred, with exposure to in vitro testing.
• - Hands-on cell culture experience, including routine maintenance and handling of cell lines.
• - Experience performing cytotoxicity assays, ideally including MTT, elution, and/or hemolysis methods.
• - Strong knowledge and consistent application of aseptic technique in a laboratory setting.
• - Experience with GLP documentation or working in a regulated laboratory environment.
• - Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately follow SOPs and study protocols.
• - Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven laboratory setting.
• - Proficiency with routine laboratory techniques such as pipetting, pH measurement, and use of analytical balances.
• - Ability to analyze and interpret experimental data and present results clearly.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• - Experience with a variety of in vitro assays and cytotoxicity testing approaches.
• - Familiarity with managing multiple concurrent studies and laboratory priorities.
• - Strong organizational and time management skills to support efficient study execution.
• - Effective communication skills to collaborate with scientists, study directors, and other team members.
• - Comfort working within structured, regulated processes and documentation requirements.

Work Environment

This role is based in a fast-paced, regulated laboratory environment focused on in vitro and cell-based testing. You will work primarily at the bench, performing cell culture and cytotoxicity assays using standard laboratory equipment such as pipettes, pH meters, analytical balances, and cell culture instruments. The position requires adherence to GLP principles, established SOPs, and detailed documentation practices. You will collaborate closely with scientists, study directors, and other laboratory staff, managing multiple studies and deadlines. The environment emphasizes accuracy, aseptic technique, and compliance with laboratory procedures while supporting teamwork and continuous communication.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hercules, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $40.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 18, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Hercules, CA.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.